press release from Georgia Department of Transportation

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ATLANTA – To ease traffic congestion statewide during the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended interstate highway construction-related lane closures. With the convergence of events happening in the downtown area beginning Friday and continuing throughout the holiday weekend; motorists are advised to plan ahead, expect heavy traffic and seek alternate routes.

Traffic will likely be heavy in various metro Atlanta locations with Dragon Con and Atlanta Black Gay Pride activities in downtown Atlanta; a book festival in Decatur on Saturday and Sunday; college football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday; festivities in Piedmont Park on Sunday and the Georgia Tech football game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Monday night.

Commuters in the metro Atlanta should plan ahead and use alternative commuting options such as public transits like MARTA or GRTA Express Bus Service .

The following resources can assist motorists with planning their commutes:

Visit www.511ga.org or dial 511 for routing information or to speak to an operator who can assist

Visit www.itsmarta.com for MARTA routes and schedules

Visit www.grta.org for information on GRTA express routes

In case you do travel the interstates and/or state routes, Georgia DOT advises motorists to never get out of their car on a freeway in the event of a crash or breakdown, unless your life is in imminent danger. If possible, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights and stay seat-belted in the vehicle with the doors locked. For HERO assistance in metro Atlanta on highways call 511, a free phone service that provides real-time statewide information about Georgia’s interstates and state routes, including traffic conditions.

Click the following links to view the overall metro Atlanta weekend events:

Special Events: www.dot.ga.gov/DriveSmart/WeekendClosures/WeekendSpecialEvents.pdf

Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. For more information on Georgia DOT, please visit www.dot.ga.gov. You also may follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/GADeptofTrans).